One of the main requirements of Produce Traceability Initiative is the use of the GS1-128 barcode symbology. Some of the specifications of the symbology are:

Starts with an Application Identifier (AI) of "01"

Implementation guide references labels

Includes a GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number) which is a total of 14 characters long. The first two characters are the AI of "01", the next character is an indicator for packaging level and the next twelve characters are the manufacturer number and the product number. The last character "5" is the check digit

Includes an AI of "10", which signifies lot code and the next nine characters "022208ABC" are the actual lot code

GS1 specification for a GS1-128 bar code is a minimum of an ANSI C barcode grade

The maximum width of the bar code inclusive of quiet zones is 6.5"

The label also needs to include a 4 digit "Voice Pick Code"

Produce Traceability Initiative Carton Compliance - Labels

Label Printer Applicators use a thermal transfer printer to print variable information onto a label and then applies it to the case, carton or pallet. The ID Technology Model 252 Label Printer Applicator prints crisp, clear barcodes as well as human readable alphanumeric text to meet the PTI requirements.

Label Printer Applicators printing on a white background with dark print, provide the highest contrast and consequently the most reliable scan of the GS1-128 barcodes required by the Produce Traceability Initiative.

Produce Traceability Initiative Carton Compliance - Inkjet Technology

The ProSeries inkjet systems from ID Technology are capable of printing a four-inch high block of information and graphics, including the GS1-128 barcodes required by the Produce Traceability Initiative. The industrial inkjet systems can be specified with multiple print heads for printing on multiple sides of the case. Like the printer applicators or laser coders for case marking, inkjet printers give packagers the ability to eliminate or reduce the number of pre-printed secondary cases, which cuts material, transportation, warehousing, and material handling costs.

Produce Traceability Initiative Carton Compliance - Laser Technology

The application of laser marking on a carton requires a special coating be placed in specific areas on the shipper. The laser then burns barcodes, like the GS1-128 required by the Produce Traceability Initiative, as well as, graphics and text into the coating to create a visual contrast. Laser coding does not require consumables on the packaging line and therefore the production line does not need to be stopped for replenishment. View a video of FireTag - a complete PTI Laser Coding Solution.

Produce Traceability Initiative Pallet Compliance - Labels

For pallets, labels are the only alternative. The Produce Traceability Initiative requires the use of SSCC (Serialized Shipping Container Code) when labeling pallets.

SSCC is a GS1-128 bar code (contains the manufacturer number and a unique number to identify the pallet for a total of 18 characters

SCC always starts with Application Identifier (AI) of "00"

There are Pros and Cons for each technology. A site survey should be performed to evaluate product handling, bar code quality objectives, capital costs, operating costs and required production line speeds. After analysis of the above, the best technology for the specific application can be chosen.